Multifaith Works Staff

Arthur G. Padilla
Executive Director

Arthur received his BA/MA in Counseling from Prescott College in Northern Arizona. The emphasis of the both degrees was in HIV prevention and public health. After spending many years in the desert southwest, he moved to Washington, DC to work with GLBTQ youth as Executive Director of the Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Counseling. He spends far too much with his nose in a book or surfing the web for the latest and greatest in the tech world. His favorite books this year include Mark Doty's Year of the Dog, and Jody Piccoult's Change of Heart.

James J. Marshall-Ward, Associate Director

James received his B.A. in Religious Studies, with minors in Spanish and Philosophy, from LeMoyne College, a small Jesuit college in upstate New York. He obtained his M.S. in Management from Antioch University in Seattle. James first connected with Multifaith Works when the CareTeam Program recruited at St. Therese Catholic Church. In his spare time, James likes to read, watch movies, spend time with friends and family, and snuggle with his dog Nikki.

Shelley Pierce, Director of Development Shelley has completed major course work in Buddhist Psychology at Antioch University, and majored in Education at Central Washington University. Having lived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for many years, Shelley is glad to be back home in the Pacific Northwest with her grown family. Shelley is drawn to Multifaith Works because of the amazing, dedicated volunteers and supporters that fulfill Multifaith’s compassion-in-action work. Shelley enjoys meditation, study, teaching, swimming, kayaking, listening to music (jazz), and artistic explorations with family and friends.
Brooks Whitehead, Grant Writer Brooks joined Multifaith Works staff as a Shanti volunteer, and has been the Grant Writer since 2007. Brooks holds a BFA in Music Composition (with an emphasis in ethnomusicology) from Cornish College of the Arts and worked for numerous arts organizations in his post-collegiate years. Brooks also worked in Human Resources in the high-tech field for ten years before rejoining the non-profit world at Multifaith. In his spare time he enjoys sailing, cooking, Medieval and Renaissance music, book collecting, dressing up as a gorilla, and the opera. Brooks is currently writing music and working on compositions for various coreographers. He spends most of his time with the new Asst. Grant Writer, Buck.
Robert Lux, Shanti Program Director Robert has extensive experience working with people affected by life-challenging conditions, especially HIV/AIDS and addictions. He earned a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Antioch University in June, 1989. His professional expertise in this area includes doing both agency and private counseling with clients in crisis regarding AIDS, loss, grief, death & dying issues. He also has 20 years’ experience in training and supervising volunteers who provide confidential, non-directive emotional support to people with mental health issues, addiction/ recovery issues, and/or life threatening illnesses. Robert joined Shanti as a volunteer in May, 1988. In November, 1989, he accepted a position on the Shanti staff. Since then, he has served as Client Services Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, and Program Manager. He is currently Program Director for Seattle Shanti, a program of Multifaith Works.
Molly Viers, Shanti Program Coordinator Molly has a B.S. in Psychology/Philosophy from Loyola University in Chicago and a M.A. in Psychology from Seattle University. She was drawn to Multifaith Works because it provides an opportunity for people of various backgrounds to come together across challenge, struggle, life-change, and uncertainty, opening possibilities for unexpected healing and growth. She was a Shanti volunteer for 2.5 years before joining the staff. In her spare time, Molly enjoys hiking, backpacking, reading, dancing, music, and art.
Bertram Johnson, CareTeam Program Director Bertram Johnson began work in the HIV/AIDS community as a hospital chaplain in Atlanta while in seminary. Prior to joining our staff he served as a volunteer for the CareTeam Program. He has provided spiritual and emotional care to patients at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, the University of Washington, and in local congregations. He holds a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University. In his free time he enjoys playing tennis, traveling, theater, dance, and cooking.
Stephanie Pietras, CareTeam Program Coordinator A native of Syracuse, NY, Stephanie received her undergraduate degree from Marymount College, Tarrytown, NY and her Masters in Pastoral Ministry from Loyola University- New Orleans, LA’s Institute for Ministry Extension Program. She has been passionate about her work in the field of HIV/AIDS for over 20 years and was drawn to Multifaith Works years ago hearing about the wonderful work the agency does. She is part-time Director of Youth Ministries at Edmonds United Methodist Church and enjoys walking the beaches, reading and working on genealogy.
Greg Miller, Housing Program Director Greg has a B.A. in English/Philosophy, M.A. in Theater, and a Master's in Divinity. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Capitol Hill Alano Club. Greg was drawn to Multifaith Works by the opportunity to journey and work with people with HIV/AIDS and to be involved in culturally-affirming social and community change. In his spare time, Greg likes to walk along any body of water, attend dance and theater performances, and read.
Mary Scott, Housing Support Specialist Mary joined Multifaith Works 3 ½ years ago, transitioning from social work primarily with youth and families, to working with homeless adults with life- threatening illness. She has 25 years of experience working in the Seattle area in various social work roles and draws on her knowledge and skills in mental health and chemical dependency practice to provide support to housing residents. She received her BA and MSW from the University of Washington. She lives in Seattle with her husband, two teenage daughters and pets, and enjoys gardening, singing in choirs, travel and foreign film.
Tamiru Damessa, CNA Tamiru has energy and mindfulness in working with diverse communities. He believes that patience is the key in overcoming challenges, especially when things are uncomfortable. Nothing is more important than, with care and compassion, helping someone succeed.
David DeGroot, Resident Advisor David received a B.A. in architecture from the University of Texas (go Longhorns!). He was drawn to Multifaith Works by the enormous amount of compassion shown by each member of the staff and group of volunteers. David lives with his spoiled pug, Digby.
David French, Resident Advisor A lifelong Puget Sound resident, David has enjoyed helping others affected by HIV/AIDS since 2005—as a Shanti volunteer, facilitator with the Seattle AIDS Support Group, and as a Multifaith resident advisor. He enjoys all art, good food, and his cats.
Kevin Glover and Robert Reagan, Resident Advisors Robert joined Multifaith Works in April 2008 out of a desire to be of service to the HIV community in need of support, housing and guidance through recovery from alcohol and drugs. He currently serves as Resident Advisor of the Dalton House. Robert has a BA in Communications from the University of Texas – Arlington, is a Certified Medical Esthethician and is pursuing a Nursing degree through North Seattle Community College. A Pride Foundation scholar and NSCC President’s List student, Robert is glad to be a member of our housing team. He enjoys working out, video games and reading. Kevin came to Multifaith Works in June 2008 in order be of service in the HIV and recovery communities as well as to spend more time with his partner, Robert. He is currently Assistant Resident Advisor of Dalton House and coordinates supply fulfillment for all the homes. Kevin works in the Creative department of Starbucks Coffee Company. Kevin enjoys television, reading and watching TV.
Abigail Villarroel, Resident Advisor Abigail was born in Chile. She is a journalist, social communication specialist, and Spanish teacher. She has extensive experience in cross-cultural orientation, social work with children, the homeless, and immigrants. She is currently involved with working in the LGBTQ community with HIV/AIDS education and prevention.
Adam Wagner, Resident Advisor Adam is a Missouri transplant and has been in the Pacific Northwest since 2003. Though his Navy career is what brought him to the area, he has always wanted to live in Seattle. The city’s biggest draws for him are its music, nightlife, culture, and natural environment.
Joe Bills, SHIFT Recovery Specialist Joe has been an active part of the recovery community since February 2007. It is important for him to give back to community as he walks his personal path of recovery. Joe had a dream about Multifaith and inquired at the agency shortly after. Joe is also a licensed real estate agent for Windermere Real Estate/Wall Street Inc. He is currently studying Shamanism with Char Sundust and Bastyr and has completed a year of training with the Tarot. At home, he can be found reading a book on spirituality snuggled up with his Siamese cats, Max and Mia.
Corrie Hines, Office Manager Corrie has a B.S. in History and one in Anthropology/Sociology from Eastern Oregon State College. She was first drawn to Multifaith Works out of a desire to help people living with HIV/AIDS. In her spare time, Corrie enjoys quilting, reading, biking, spending time with her husband, and training her dog.
Teya, Assistant Shanti Coordinator Teya has a PhD in snuggling and cuteness. She is the past President of the Bellingham Extreme Frisbee Dog club. Teya is drawn to Multifaith Works by the treats and love she receives from the entire staff. In her spare time, Teya enjoys napping, pretending giant logs are prey, costuming, and swimming until she has completely exhausted her human companion.
In loving memory of Jack, Assistant Grant Writer (7/9/99 - 5/23/10) Jack Stub holds a Ph.D in Barking, and has studied Humanities with Harold Bloom at Yale. He is currently working on his Masters in Semiotics, and recently completed his third book about poetry - a unique but controversial theory of poetic influence, advocating an aesthetic approach to literature, entitled “Woof”. In addition to working at Multifaith Works, Jack spends his spare time writing for Fibonacci Quarterly — an academic journal devoted to the study of Fibonacci numbers.
Annie, Assistant Office Manager Annie holds certificates from Puppy Class and Basic Obedience Class, as well as the AKC Puppy Star award. She was first drawn to Multifaith Works because she was able to come to work with her mom; now she adores the treats and attention from the staff. In her spare time, Annie enjoys playing chase with humans and other dogs, chewing on sticks, bones, and Kongs, and eating pretty much anything that isn't bolted to the floor.